An intrasquad-record 6,115 fans packed the Huntsman Center on Friday, Dec. 9, to get a sneak peak of what the Utah women's gymnastics team has been training this fall at the Utes' annual Red Rocks Preview. Featuring eight gymnasts competing on each event without any scores, the preview showcased the depth of Utah's talented team, which looks ready to start off strong when the season starts in January.

The Utes gymnasts started on vault, and the majority of the lineup competed Yurchenko fulls with the exception of sophomores Sabrina Schwab and Makenna Merrell and freshman MyKayla Skinner. Schwab showed off an impressive Yurchenko tucked 1 1/2, and Merrell nearly stuck her Yurchenko laid out 1 1/2. Skinner competed the toughest vault of the bunch -- a double twisting Yurchenko.

[tweet url="https://twitter.com/utahathletics/status/807413054879084545" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]

On bars, there were a few falls from Skinner and freshman Missy Reinstadtler -- Skinner fell over on a handstand, while Reinstadtler missed a release move. But the rest of the lineup put up an impressive showing. Schwab's routine has several new skills, including a Jaeger and an upgraded full twisting double back dismount. Sophomore Kari Lee, who was out for the majority of last season with an injury, competed a piked Jaeger and an upgraded full twisting double back dismount, which she also stuck. Merrell also unveiled a unique Deltchev as a new release move.

[tweet url="https://twitter.com/utahathletics/status/807418784973668352" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]

The Utes then went 8 for 8 on beam, with Merrell leading off the rotation with a solid routine, including an impressive triple series. Skinner also had a solid set, with the highlight being her double tuck dismount which she stuck. Maddy Stover, who was last year's anchor, performed her routine with gorgeous choreography, while Lee returned to the apparatus with a hit set as well.

[tweet url="https://twitter.com/utahathletics/status/807430102178893824" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]

For the last rotation, senior Baely Rowe opened up with strong tumbling passes -- a double pike, 2 1/2 twist, and 1 1/2 to punch front layout, all to a catchy Prince mix. Reinstadtler was up next with a clean double tuck, 1 1/2 to punch front layout, and double pike to close things off. Merrell showed off her piked full-in for her first pass but struggled a bit on her 2 1/2 to punch front before finishing with a Rudi. Junior Tiffani Lewis kept up the E tumbling passed with a tucked full-in and followed by a front layout to front full and a double tuck. Schwab performed a new beautiful routine with solid tumbling -- a double pike, 1 1/2 to punch front layout and a 2 1/2 twist.

[tweet url="https://twitter.com/utahathletics/status/807433223886094337" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]

Everyone paid attention when Skinner debuted her routine, which is set to the same music (and with much the same choreography) as she had in her latest elite routine. She opened with a big double twisting double tuck, followed by a very clean 1 1/2 to double full and finishing with a full-in. The last two performers were sophomores Macey Roberts and Erika Muhaw. Roberts is a transfer from Maryland who is known for her work on floor -- she performed a double pike, front layout to Rudi and a 1/2 to front pike half. Muhaw opened with a big double layout, followed by a 1 1/2 to front layout and double tuck to end.

After an impressive preview, the Utes host their season opener against Michigan on Jan. 7.


Related:
Utah Shows Upgraded Vaults and Big 'E' Tumbling in Preseason Training
Utah Adds Trio of Talented Freshmen